The Eoff's: Wisconsin vs. Nebraska

I keep saying this, though I never do anything to change it, but I am yet again way behind on my blogging.I am starting with a month ago and our trip to Wisconsin for the Wisconsin/Nebraska football game.

We left DFW on a Wednesday morning. We were able to use credit card miles so our flights were free, but it also meant that we had to fly into O’Hare in Chicago, which is a pain. However, in the end it worked great because Derek’s best friend and Alayna’s Godfather, Ronnie was able to pick us up from the airport and drive us to my parent’s house. Ronnie picked us up around 3pm and we headed back to his house for a bit. We figured we had been traveling all day and Alayna needed some time to stretch her legs and play before we drove the hour back to WI. Unfortunately, Jenn (Ronnie’s wife) and their son Landon were not home (they were in Washington state visiting family) so we didn’t get to see them, but Alayna had a great time playing with all of Landon’s toys. She also loved taking their dog Marley for a walk.

After stretching our legs for a bit we headed to get some dinner and then make the drive home. We stopped to eat at this great bar and grill in their hometown and had some really good taco pizza. We were then on our way to WI. Alayna got a little fussy in the car, we couldn’t really blame her. She had been traveling all day and was tired, unfortunately she didn’t want to sleep though. We got to my parent’s house around 7:30 that night and Alayna was able to play with her Nana and Grandpa for a little while before bed.

Thursday was our relaxing day. We were going to head to the Summerfest grounds for the Brewers Pep Rally to celebrate their post-season appearance, but the weather was not cooperating and we didn’t want to take Alayna to stand in the rain. So, instead we headed to Noodles & Co for some lunch and went to visit my grandfather. Alayna was a little hesitant at his house at first, but quickly warmed up and was running around like the active toddler she is. She gave “Baba” lots of hugs and kisses and he was so happy we stopped by.

Thursday night I got together for dinner with my good friends and former co-workers, Alexis, Sarah and Trish. We headed downtown to Benelux café for some dinner and girl time. It was also nice because I got to meet Alexis’ new baby girl Beatrice and play with Trish’s little girl Baiya. I did not bring Alayna with me, but it was nice that I could see the other little girls and spend some time with my girlfriends. (Looking forward to fist-pumping at the shore next summer!)

On Friday morning I went and had breakfast with Julia and Kristi and their little ones at Julia’s house. It was fun to watch the kids play together and catch up with them. It never is enough time though. On Friday night we went out to dinner with my parents, brother and sister. We went to a little bar on the south side of Milwaukee that has really great burgers. I was craving a fish fry (as I seem to always do on Fridays in WI) so I had the fish but I wish I had a burger they looked delicious.

Saturday was GAME DAY. It was a big day in our family since Derek is a Nebraska grad and I am a Wisconsin grad. We are a house divided now that both teams are in the Big Ten. We had tickets to the game from my friends at the athletic department and were going to the game with our friends Joe and Jenny Gliniecki. We met Joe and Jenny at their house around 10am and spent some time visiting. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to meet the newest Gliniecki member because Kennedy was sleeping. However, Caedence showed us her bug toys and we played a bit before we left.

We headed up to Madison early, even though it was a 7pm game so we could spend the day in Madison and not be rushed to get to the stadium. We had lunch and a few beverages on State Street before we started to walk towards the stadium area. We stopped off on the way at the Husker tailgate that Derek’s friend Rick organized. From there we headed to the Regent St. Retreat to hear a Husker band play and then ended up staying there till almost game time. We tried to go to other places, but with Husker Nation invading Madison, it was even more crowded than usual on Game day.

The game itself was awesome (for me at least…not so much for Derek). And I won the first official Eoff House WI/Neb bet. Because Nebraska lost Derek had to buy Alayna a Wisconsin outfit. J Here some pictures of the weekend and also a picture of Alayna in her new Wisconsin dress.